Friday night, March 7, Seattle’s El Corazon hosted five explosive punk bands headlined by the infamous Richie Ramone, the third drummer for the Ramones (1983 to 1987).
Richie began the set behind a large drum kit, but switched to being the front man with a mic while rhythm guitarist Ben Reagan (and probably the most sedate member of the group) took over on drum duties. Richie appeared comfortable with both roles as he strutted about growling and belting out song after song in true punk form. Though he was fabulous as the front man, singer, he was one with his drum kit (he sang lead on most the songs whether at the front of the stage or behind his drums).
Lead guitarist Alex Kane almost stole the show. He shredded his strings like a strung out mad man complete with leaps and scissor kicks throughout.
Bass player Clare Misstake banged wildly, sporting long hair shaved on the sides and wore tight leather short shorts, black stockings and calf length boots with large pink laces. It was difficult to decipher if she upstaged Alex Kane. This show was wild. Several Ramones’ songs were performed (with Alex taking lead vocals on many) including Wart Hog, Around the World, I Just Want To Have Something To Do, Blitzkrieg Bop (during which, Richie stuck the mic into the crowd, letting audience members shout along to the chorus), and, during the encore, Cretin Hop.
With a total of five great punk bands playing this night, I was surprised the energy didn’t explode the tiny club to smithereens. I thoroughly expected such explosive music would leave El Corazon looking like Rock and Roll High School at the end of that movie.
Preceding Richie’s set was Seattle’s own Go Like Hell. This is my second time seeing them and I was just as impressed this time around.
Go Like Hell is fronted by the petite but feisty Alexi Void, who came out wearing black Spandex, a loose black top and a leopard print sports bra under and a ski cap, which she eventually shed revealing thick dark hair with shaved sides. Go Like Hell is very hard core with an element of humor thrown in (guitarist, Luvleggs, a bald dude who’s as wide as he is tall wore a red velvet skirt with red and white Raggedy Ann stockings).
It’s Alexi who drives this band’s energy but it’s the band who provides the catalyst for her to rile and provoke her audience into a mad frenzy. She often leaped into the crowd, dancing with them and at other times took a flying leap off the stage and surfed the crowd. The middle of the dance floor was a non stop seething mosh pit for their entire set. GLH also includes Elvis Christ on guitar and backing vocals, Dick Whiskey on drums and Jonny Safari on bass.
Preceding GLH was another Seattle band, Dreadful Children. Dreadful Children are the main reason I decided to attend this show. I’ve seen them about three times prior over the last three years and they’re different, but total non-stop fun each time.
Front man Lonnie Bristle sported bleached hair stuck up in gelled spikes giving him the look of a crudely plucked dandelion. This band is part Sex Pistols, maybe a little Rancid and a lot of humor. Dreadful Children play loud and fast and raw and always seem to throw in a bit of sci-fi, this time it being a TARDIS (I challenge anyone to know what that is) shirt worn by bass player, Johnny Mischief (who never seemed to stay in one place for more than a few seconds). And judging by how many sang along to their songs or requested some of their songs by name, this is a band who is developing a loyal following. It’s no wonder too. They are one of the most fun bands in Seattle.
But these three bands were just the proverbial icing on the cake. There were more! Another Seattle band, Acid Angels preceded Dreadful Children. Acid Angels played a more straight forward rock. Think if the Sonics and the NY Dolls had a love child and you know what Acid Angels sound like. Charismatic front man and bassist, Kelly Wheeler even slightly resembles David Johansen. There was a lot of good natured bantering between the band members that also spilled over into the audience. The highlight of their set had to be their cover of the Stones’ Dead Flowers, which many sang along to. They totally did this song justice. Acid Angels, besides Wheeler, are Jayme Layme – Lead Guitar, Carl Klein – Guitar, and Geoff Reading – Drums. Acid Angles are definitely worth checking out. If you’re a fan of of bands like the Rolling Stones or NY Dolls, I highly recommend them.
Starting off the entire night was yet another Seattle band, Kids On Fire. Kids On Fire are, Jonny on vocals and guitar, Mikey on vocals and guitar, Pink Frosting on bass and Pope on drums. They played loud and fast-paced punk pop with hooky guitar riffs and two and three part harmonies.
If the club had actually exploded, Kids On Fire would have lit the fuse while the other four bands continued to pour gasoline on it to intensify the explosion. This was one wild and fun night of solid punk rock, which Seattle seemed to have been missing of late. What a night!
Richie Ramone Headlines A Night Of Five Punk Bands at El Corazon
by Holly Homan
Friday night, March 7, Seattle’s El Corazon hosted five explosive punk bands headlined by the infamous Richie Ramone, the third drummer for the Ramones (1983 to 1987).
Richie began the set behind a large drum kit, but switched to being the front man with a mic while rhythm guitarist Ben Reagan (and probably the most sedate member of the group) took over on drum duties. Richie appeared comfortable with both roles as he strutted about growling and belting out song after song in true punk form. Though he was fabulous as the front man, singer, he was one with his drum kit (he sang lead on most the songs whether at the front of the stage or behind his drums).
Lead guitarist Alex Kane almost stole the show. He shredded his strings like a strung out mad man complete with leaps and scissor kicks throughout.
Bass player Clare Misstake banged wildly, sporting long hair shaved on the sides and wore tight leather short shorts, black stockings and calf length boots with large pink laces. It was difficult to decipher if she upstaged Alex Kane. This show was wild. Several Ramones’ songs were performed (with Alex taking lead vocals on many) including Wart Hog, Around the World, I Just Want To Have Something To Do, Blitzkrieg Bop (during which, Richie stuck the mic into the crowd, letting audience members shout along to the chorus), and, during the encore, Cretin Hop.
With a total of five great punk bands playing this night, I was surprised the energy didn’t explode the tiny club to smithereens. I thoroughly expected such explosive music would leave El Corazon looking like Rock and Roll High School at the end of that movie.
Preceding Richie’s set was Seattle’s own Go Like Hell. This is my second time seeing them and I was just as impressed this time around.
Go Like Hell is fronted by the petite but feisty Alexi Void, who came out wearing black Spandex, a loose black top and a leopard print sports bra under and a ski cap, which she eventually shed revealing thick dark hair with shaved sides. Go Like Hell is very hard core with an element of humor thrown in (guitarist, Luvleggs, a bald dude who’s as wide as he is tall wore a red velvet skirt with red and white Raggedy Ann stockings).
It’s Alexi who drives this band’s energy but it’s the band who provides the catalyst for her to rile and provoke her audience into a mad frenzy. She often leaped into the crowd, dancing with them and at other times took a flying leap off the stage and surfed the crowd. The middle of the dance floor was a non stop seething mosh pit for their entire set. GLH also includes Elvis Christ on guitar and backing vocals, Dick Whiskey on drums and Jonny Safari on bass.
Preceding GLH was another Seattle band, Dreadful Children. Dreadful Children are the main reason I decided to attend this show. I’ve seen them about three times prior over the last three years and they’re different, but total non-stop fun each time.
Front man Lonnie Bristle sported bleached hair stuck up in gelled spikes giving him the look of a crudely plucked dandelion. This band is part Sex Pistols, maybe a little Rancid and a lot of humor. Dreadful Children play loud and fast and raw and always seem to throw in a bit of sci-fi, this time it being a TARDIS (I challenge anyone to know what that is) shirt worn by bass player, Johnny Mischief (who never seemed to stay in one place for more than a few seconds). And judging by how many sang along to their songs or requested some of their songs by name, this is a band who is developing a loyal following. It’s no wonder too. They are one of the most fun bands in Seattle.
But these three bands were just the proverbial icing on the cake. There were more! Another Seattle band, Acid Angels preceded Dreadful Children. Acid Angels played a more straight forward rock. Think if the Sonics and the NY Dolls had a love child and you know what Acid Angels sound like. Charismatic front man and bassist, Kelly Wheeler even slightly resembles David Johansen. There was a lot of good natured bantering between the band members that also spilled over into the audience. The highlight of their set had to be their cover of the Stones’ Dead Flowers, which many sang along to. They totally did this song justice. Acid Angels, besides Wheeler, are Jayme Layme – Lead Guitar, Carl Klein – Guitar, and Geoff Reading – Drums. Acid Angles are definitely worth checking out. If you’re a fan of of bands like the Rolling Stones or NY Dolls, I highly recommend them.
Starting off the entire night was yet another Seattle band, Kids On Fire. Kids On Fire are, Jonny on vocals and guitar, Mikey on vocals and guitar, Pink Frosting on bass and Pope on drums. They played loud and fast-paced punk pop with hooky guitar riffs and two and three part harmonies.
If the club had actually exploded, Kids On Fire would have lit the fuse while the other four bands continued to pour gasoline on it to intensify the explosion. This was one wild and fun night of solid punk rock, which Seattle seemed to have been missing of late. What a night!
